Oppius wordt door zijn zoon uit Rome gedragen 1781

Reinier Vinkeles created this print, "Oppius Carries His Father out of Rome", using etching. The image is dominated by the powerful figure of a son carrying his father to safety. The intimate act of carrying is a potent symbol of filial piety—a virtue deeply esteemed in classical antiquity. This motif echoes in countless cultural expressions. Consider Aeneas carrying his father Anchises from the burning Troy, a scene laden with similar emotional weight. Over time, such images of carrying undergo a fascinating metamorphosis. The simple act of carrying transforms into a layered symbol, influenced by collective memory. The gesture speaks to our subconscious need for protection, representing the cyclical nature of life, where the carried becomes the carrier. The emotional power of this moment, immortalized here, continues to resonate, engaging viewers on a profound, subconscious level. This cycle of cultural memory resurfaces, evolves, and assumes new dimensions across different eras.